Christmas and New Year holidays are just around the corner, and Bali is gearing up to welcome an influx of tourists.
The airport has introduced several major initiatives to handle peak loads during this busy period. Last year, congestion led to massive traffic jams, with taxi passengers forced to carry their luggage and walk to the airport. Many airlines had to delay flights as passengers were unable to reach their planes on time. This year, airport authorities are determined to avoid a similar collapse.
The airport management has collaborated with traffic police to address the issues. New traffic management systems have been implemented to ensure smooth movement of vehicles to and from Bali Airport. The roads have been upgraded, doubling the number of lanes from four to eight. While this improvement has had a noticeable effect, some signage and road markings remain unclear.
A new and optimized taxi and transfer system has been introduced following a recent conflict between security personnel and drivers. The new system separates passengers with pre-arranged pickups from those still searching for a ride, reducing confusion and queues. A plan to categorize taxis by type—hotel shuttles, app-based services, and on-site taxis—is also in development.
Authorities are also working to prevent bottlenecks on toll roads. Alongside traffic solutions, security measures have been strengthened with police posts strategically placed near domestic and international terminals to maintain order. These efforts aim to ensure a seamless experience for arriving and departing passengers.
Pedestrian pathways are also being improved. Passengers will now use elevated viaducts on the second floor to avoid crossing roads, offering both convenience and protection from the sun with covered walkways.
During the Christmas and New Year period, Bali typically receives over a million international tourists and hundreds of thousands of domestic travelers by land and air, all eager to celebrate the New Year on the Island of the Gods.
However, recent disruptions caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi on Flores Island have reminded travelers to be prepared for unexpected situations. Over 20% of all domestic and international flights from Bali’s airport were canceled due to the volcanic ash cloud.
Given Bali’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the island is constantly at risk of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance, book tickets with flexible dates, and allow ample time for their journey to the airport—even if using the toll road.
Traffic around Bali Airport is expected to increase during the holiday season despite the new measures. How effective these efforts will be remains to be seen.
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